The stats

AFL games: 6

Disposals per game: 10.3

Marks: 2.5

Kicks: 6

Tackles: 2.5

Goals: 0

Review

It was a year of limited AFL opportunities for Angus Litherland in 2016, playing just half a dozen games in Hawthorn’s senior side for the season.

With the likes of Shaun Burgoyne, Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton and Taylor Duryea holding down defensive posts along with the return of Brendan Whitecross, there was plenty of competition for positions in defence, meaning Litherland had to bide his time in the VFL.

The 23-year-old played the opening four games of the year as the Hawks dealt with early injuries to regular AFL players, but was moved out of the side when Hawthorn’s reinforcements arrived.

His best performance at AFL level this season came against Essendon in Round 12, when he collected 16 touches along with three rebound 50s and three inside 50s.

The challenge for Litherland will be to break into the side and hold down a regular position in 2017.

A word from: Adem Yze

“Gus played six games for the year but it was quite difficult for him to break into the AFL side.

“His consistency at VFL level with Box Hill was really strong and his attitude and leadership down there really grew this season and it was good to see him do that even though it may have been frustrating not to get more games at AFL level.

“The way that he handled himself and his form really warranted selection and he kept pushing his name forward every week to play in the AFL team, so it was a strong year from Angus.”